Q1 Revenue Cycle & Financial Strategies Forum – Midwest
June 19-20, 2025 | Chicago, IL
Robert Sumter
Market EVP & Chief Operating Officer
Ascension
Larry Allen
Medical Director of Population Health
Goshen Health
Derrick Howell
CFO
Care Alliance Health Center
Laina Fox
Director, Revenue Cycle Systems
Cook County Health
Angela Clabon
CEO
CareSTL Health
Charlene Bennett
CEO
Individual Advocacy Group
Danielle McPherson
VP, Medicaid, Managed Care Ops & State Government Programs
Mercy
Ashley Piercy
COO
Alliance Health Centers
Barbara Kisakye
System Director, Revenue Integrity & Physician Billing
SSM Healthcare
Melanie McGregor
Director, Patient Access
Prosser Memorial Hospital
Angelica Ibarra
Director, Patient Access & Registration
Saint Anthony Hospital
Tonyia Winston
CEO
New Age Services
Cheraire Lyons
VP, Revenue Cycle
Alliance Spine & Pain Centers
Kelly Howard
CEO
Behavioral Services & Therapy
Lee Wise
Director, Health Information Management
Hannibal Regional Healthcare System
Lora Black
System Director, Patient Access
IU Health
Consuerella Edwards
Executive Director, Revenue Cycle
Central City Health
Robert Edstrom
CFO
Haymarket Center
Brooke Farrington
CEO
Farrington Health Centers
Cathy Beebe
Director, Managed Care
OSF Healthcare
Aaqil Khan
Director, Revenue Cycle & Decision Support
OSF Healthcare
Rhonda Kamenick
Senior Director, CRC Operations
Conifer Health Systems
Preeti Dembla
Medical Director, Utilization Management
Parkview Health
8:00 REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE
8:55 OPENING REMARKS & PROGRAM WELCOME
9:00 EXECUTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: CURRENT STATE OF THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY IN 2025
• Navigating growth through shifting and complex challenges
• Forecasting legislative and policy changes & their impacts on healthcare
• Innovative improvements to operations and revenue flow
• Adapting to shifting needs and expectations of employees and providers
• Rapid advancements in technology & cybersecurity
Robert Sumter, Market EVP & Chief Operating Officer – IL, Ascension
Danielle McPherson, VP, Medicaid, Managed Care Ops & State Government Programs, Mercy
Charlene Bennett, CEO, Individual Advocacy Group (IAG)
Cheraire Lyons, VP Revenue Cycle, Alliance Spine and Pain Centers
Moderator: Aaqil Khan, Director, Revenue Cycle & Decision Support, OSF Healthcare
10:00 LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY & AI TO ENHANCE HEALTH SYSTEM OPERATIONS
As healthcare organizations face mounting financial pressures, AI and automation are transforming revenue cycle operations by improving efficiency, accuracy, and cash flow. This discussion will explore how leading health systems are using AI-driven solutions to streamline claims processing, reduce denials, enhance coding accuracy, and optimize patient financial interactions. Attendees will gain insights into practical implementation strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and the evolving role of automation in shaping the future of revenue cycle management.
Robert Sumter, Market EVP & Chief Operating Officer – IL, Ascension
10:45 NETWORKING & COFFEE BREAK
11:15 TRACK A:
CLOSING THE GAPS BETWEEN BILLING, CODING, & CLINICAL OPERATIONS
This session aims to improve the revenue cycle by improving coordination between billing, coding, and clinical operations. It will identify the challenges and inefficiencies that arise from discrepancies or disconnects between these key areas and highlight strategies to address them. It may touch upon best practices for enhancing communication and collaboration among billing, coding, and clinical teams, leveraging technology and data analytics to identify and rectify gaps in processes.
Barbara Kisakye, System Director, Revenue Integrity & Physician Billing
SSM Healthcare
11:15 TRACK B:
IMPROVING UPFRONT COLLECTIONS THROUGH PRE-SERVICE ENGAGEMENT & PATIENT EDUCATION
Upfront collections are critical to maintaining a strong revenue cycle, yet many organizations struggle to engage patients early and effectively. This discussion will explore strategies for improving pre-service financial conversations, educating patients about their financial responsibilities, and creating a more transparent, patient-friendly experience. Participants will share best practices for boosting collection rates while maintaining trust and satisfaction throughout the patient journey.
Melanie McGregor, Director, Patient Access
Prosser Memorial Hospital
12:00 LUNCHEON
1:15 TRACK A:
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES TO REDUCE & MANAGE DENIALS
This discussion group will delve into the root causes of claim denials, ranging from coding errors and documentation deficiencies to lack of prior authorization and eligibility issues. Through interactive discussion, attendees will collaborate on preventative strategies aimed at addressing these underlying causes and minimizing denial rates. This discussion group will also explore best practices for denial management, including the implementation of robust processes for claim tracking, follow-up, and appeals.
Cathy Beebe, Director, Managed Care
OSF Healthcare
1:15 TRACK B:
RISK OR NOT TO RISK: ALIGNING FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO ACHIEVE QUALITY BONUSES & SHARED SAVINGS IN VALUE-BASED CARE
As healthcare organizations navigate the shift from volume to value, aligning financial incentives is critical to success. This discussion group will explore strategies for evaluating risk tolerance, structuring incentive models, and driving clinical and operational alignment to maximize quality bonuses and shared savings. Participants will share experiences, lessons learned, and key considerations when deciding how — and when — to take on more financial risk in value-based care arrangements.
Larry Allen, Medical Director of Population Health
Goshen Health
2:00 NETWORKING & COFFEE BREAK
2:45 TRACK A:
EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY & AI: STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION & INDUSTRY IMPACT
Technology and AI are reshaping the healthcare landscape, but successful adoption requires more than just new tools, it demands strategic leadership and thoughtful integration. In this discussion, led by a nonprofit health executive, participants will explore practical strategies for implementing technology and AI solutions that drive meaningful change. We will also discuss the broader impact on care delivery, workforce dynamics, and patient outcomes, with a focus on balancing innovation with mission-driven values.
Laina Fox, Director, Revenue Cycle Systems
Cook County Health
2:45 TRACK B:
ENHANCING DATA INTEGRITY TO REDUCE DENIALS AND REVENUE LOSS
Accurate data is the foundation of a healthy revenue cycle. In this session, healthcare leaders will explore strategies to strengthen data integrity across patient access, clinical documentation, and billing processes – sharing best practices for identifying root causes of denials, closing data gaps, and implementing sustainable improvements. The discussion will also highlight how partnering with a strategic innovation partner can accelerate results, bringing the technology, expertise, and operational insight needed to drive measurable reductions in denials and revenue leakage.
Lee Wise, Director, HIM
Hannibal Regional Healthcare System
3:30 NETWORKING & COFFEE BREAK
4:00 TRACK A:
CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT OF TEAM MEMBERS IN RESPONSE TO NEW TECHNOLOGY & PROCESSES
Continuous development of team members is essential in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world. As new technologies and processes emerge, organizations must adopt a proactive approach to upskilling, training, and continuous improvement. By fostering a culture of learning & innovation, they can enhance productivity, improve team member engagement, and maintain a competitive edge. In this session, you’ll learn strategies to foster continuous development, cultivate a learning culture, and help your team adapt and thrive.
Lora Black, System Director, Patient Access
IU Health
4:00 TRACK B:
BUILDING AN IN-HOUSE UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM: CLINICAL LEADERSHIP MEETS STRATEGY
Developing an in-house utilization management (UM) program requires more than operational oversight—it demands strategic alignment between clinical expertise and organizational goals. This session examines how healthcare providers can internalize UM functions to better control quality, reduce delays in care, and align with broader strategic initiatives such as value-based care and population health. Participants will explore how clinical leadership can collaborate with strategy teams to design UM protocols that support evidence-based decision-making, improve care coordination, and drive sustainable cost containment. Discussion will also include governance structures, technology enablers, and performance metrics essential to long-term success.
Preeti Dembla, Medical Director, Utilization Management
Parkview Health
4:45 EXECUTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: REIMAGINING HEALTHCARE & DISRUPTING THE STATUS QUO
• How traditional healthcare delivery models are evolving to meet community and patient needs
• The role of technology, data, and strategic partnerships in driving disruption and change
• Balancing innovation with sustainability: Making bold moves while managing risk
• Adapting to shifting needs and expectations of employees and providers
• Lessons learned from organizations leading change outside of traditional hospital systems.
Robert Edstrom, CFO, Haymarket Center
Brooke Farrington, CEO, Farrington Health Centers
Tonyia Winston, CEO, New Age Services
Angela Clabon, CEO, CareSTL Health
5:30 End of Day One
Day Two Agenda
Friday, June 20
8:30 WELCOME COFFEE
9:00 EXECUTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION: INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINING FINANCIAL HEALTH & ACCESS FOR THE UNDERSERVED
• Leveraging community-based care, mobile units, and innovative ways to serve patients
• The role of strategic partnerships & community collaborations
• Creating sustainable financial models to support and sustain care
• Use and ROI considerations in utilizing technology to expand access & streamline cost
• Exploring impact investment models & alternative revenue streams
Derrick Howell, CFO, Care Alliance Health Center
Robert Edstrom, CFO, Haymarket Center
Ashley Piercy, COO, Alliance Health Centers
Michelle Hennessee Sears, CEO, Autism Center for Enrichment
9:45 DATA-DRIVEN REVENUE: FORECASTING GROWTH & BUILDING ACTIONABLE LEVERS FOR FINANCIAL SUCCESS
In an increasingly complex financial landscape, healthcare leaders must go beyond basic reporting to harness data as a strategic driver of growth. This discussion will explore how organizations are using predictive analytics, performance dashboards, and real-time insights to forecast revenue trends and identify actionable levers for improvement. Participants will share strategies for turning data into decisions that optimize financial performance, improve forecasting accuracy, and support long-term sustainability.
Aaqil Khan, Director, Revenue Cycle & Decision Support, OSF Healthcare
10:30 NETWORKING & COFFEE BREAK
11:00 TRACK A:
SEAMLESS PATIENT ACCESS ACROSS THE CARE CONTINUUM: ALIGNING TEAMS & SYSTEMS
This session explores strategies to optimize patient access by aligning cross-functional teams, standardizing processes, and integrating technology across care settings. Attendees will discuss how to break down operational silos, enhance data sharing, and streamline scheduling, registration, and insurance verification to create a unified patient experience and drive financial performance.
Angelica Ibarra, Director of Patient Access / Registration
Saint Anthony Hospital
11:00 TRACK B:
ADAPTING THE PATIENT FINANCIAL EXPERIENCE: TAILORING STRATEGIES FOR VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
As healthcare affordability continues to challenge many patients, especially those in underserved or vulnerable populations, organizations must rethink how they design financial communications, support programs, and billing practices. This FQHC-led discussion will examine strategies to personalize the financial experience with sensitivity to socioeconomic, cultural, and linguistic barriers. Attendees will explore approaches such as flexible payment options, proactive financial counseling, and community partnerships to promote equity, build trust, and improve collections outcomes.
Consuerella Edwards, Executive Director of Revenue Cycle
Central City Health
11:45 THE APPEAL ADVANTAGE: RECOVERING REVENUE FROM EXISTING DENIALS
Denied claims are a major source of lost revenue. But with the right strategies, they can become opportunities for recovery. This session focuses on optimizing the appeals process to maximize reimbursement from existing denials. It will cover root-cause analysis, prioritization of high-value appeals, using data to identify trends, and improving payer collaboration. Attendees will also explore workflow automation and staff training tactics to reduce rework & increase success rates in overturning denials.
Rhonda Kamenick, Senior Director, CRC Operations, Conifer Health Solutions
12:30 Conclusion of Event
Previous attendee information:
Assistant Vice President, Finance & Decision Support
Appalachian Regional Healthcare System
Assistant Vice President, Revenue Cycle
Ochsner Health System
Assistant Vice President, Revenue Cycle Solutions
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Assistant Vice President, Value-Based Performance Management
Ochsner Health System
Chief Executive Officer
Methodist Health System
Chief Executive Officer
MUSC Health
Chief Financial Officer
HCA Houston Healthcare Pearland
Chief Financial Officer
Jackson Health System
Chief Revenue Officer
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Chief Revenue Officer
Baptist Health
Director, Health Information Management
WellStar Health System
Director, Patient Financial Services
UNC Health Care
Director, Revenue Cycle
Grady Health System
Director, Revenue Cycle
Emory Healthcare
Director, Finance
Houston Methodist Hospital
Executive Director Patient Access
Broward Health
Regional Chief Financial Officer
St. Luke’s Health
Senior Director, Patient Access & Denials Management
Franciscian Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
Who should attend:
Executives that will find this program of greatest relevance are those currently working to discover new and innovative methods to advance the healthcare finance industry through active discussion and an open mind to new or different ideas. Job titles of those executives that will find this program to be most applicable to the job function include:
• Vice President of Revenue Cycle Operations
• Vice President of Finance
• Director of Health Information Management
• Director of Patient Access
• CFO, COO, CRO
• Director of Finance or Financial Operations
• Director of Patient Financial Services
• Director of Revenue Cycle
• Director of Coding
• Director of CDI
• Revenue Cycle Manager/Senior Lead
